When patients visit the general dentistry office, the goal is to keep their oral health excellent. The appointment may be nothing more than a professional dental cleaning and getting instructions on proper oral health so long as there are no oral issues. If dental problems are to be addressed, the dentist will recommend the appropriate treatment to restore the patient's health.
General dentistry procedures
The following are general dentistry procedures that can help patients improve their oral health:
Dental fillings
Dental fillings are used to fill cavities or decayed teeth. They may also be used to restore fractured or damaged teeth. When a patient complains of a toothache, the dentist does a thorough examination to look for cavities and cracks. They do this by physically inspecting the tooth as well as using X-rays. If the dentist determines that the tooth requires a filling, they will proceed to repair the tooth.
After numbing the teeth, the dentist will use a dental drill to remove any decaying dental tissue in the inner tooth. They will next use water to clean the tooth before sealing it with a dental filling. The patient can choose their preferred filling with the dentist's assistance. Fillings may be made of gold, silver, porcelain, or dental resin. Dental fillings are the most common general dentistry procedure due to the prevalence of tooth decay.
Dental crowns
Dental crowns are used to restore teeth that have been severely damaged due to disease or trauma. Crowns are the only dental restorations that can save damaged teeth from being extracted. They are also used to cover up aesthetic issues. Since most crowns must be manufactured in a dental laboratory, the process usually takes two dentist visits to complete.
However, some dental offices have the equipment to manufacture the crowns themselves, allowing a patient to have a dental crown put in a single day. Crowns restore oral health by fully covering the teeth and shielding them from infection or injury.
Teeth extraction
The dentist will extract a decaying tooth if the damage is too severe to be salvaged. When an impacted tooth fails to erupt through the gum, the dentist will extract it. The dentist will also remove a problematic and uncomfortable wisdom tooth.
If the affected tooth is above the gum line, the dentist will take it out by releasing it from its bone socket. A minor surgical procedure is required to remove a tooth that is creating problems beneath the gums.
Dental implants
Dental implants are perhaps the best and most lasting method to restore missing teeth. Dental implants involve placing the implant into the patient's jawbone. The installation of dental implants provides the patient with permanent prosthetic teeth, despite taking a few months and many operations to accomplish. Crowns and dentures supported by implants function similarly to natural teeth.
In conclusion
There is nothing to be scared of when it comes to general dentistry treatments. Having your teeth repaired is a painless procedure due to anesthetics. You may relax knowing that, whatever your dental issue is, your dentist has performed the treatment necessary to improve your oral health.
Request an appointment or call Southern Cal Smiles: Susan Fredericks, D.D.S, M.P.H. at 818-657-8055 for an appointment in our Woodland Hills office.
Related Posts
General dentistry helps prevent, diagnose, and treat a wide range of dental issues, like tooth decay and gum disease. General dentists are the most common types of dentists, and they spend most of their time performing preventative treatments.Many patients have oral health questions for general dentists. Here are the answers to the most frequently asked…
General dentistry focuses on preventative treatments that help keep your teeth and gums healthy. Brushing and flossing are the foundations of preventative dentistry, and the type of toothpaste that you use can make your brushing sessions even more effective.With so many different types of toothpaste to choose from, figuring out what type works best can…
When you think of general dentistry, you may first think of teeth cleanings, examinations, and fluoride treatments. While these are typical services at the dentist’s office, treatments for more serious issues are common too. If you have a damaged tooth, you may be in pain and may be prone to getting infections or cavities. The…